Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 5

Written Answers. - Kerry Association, London.

Dick Spring

Question:

27 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Labour the reason he did not provide financial assistance to the Kerry Association in London in order to assist it in defraying expenses incurred in providing accommodation for young emigrants.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

All applications for funding by non-statutory groups which provide services for Irish emigrants to Britain are considered by DÍON, the emigrant welfare advisory committee, which makes recommendations to me on the distribution of State aid. Last year, £500,000 was allocated to my Department for the purpose of grant aiding such groups.

The terms of reference of DÍON state that they should make recommendations on the provision of financial assistance towards the employment of professional workers dealing with the welfare problems of Irish workers.

DÍON, on the basis of their experience and consultations with a wide range of Irish community support organisations, have identified a range of priority concerns, which they have published and according to which they assess and evaluate grant applications and submissions received from voluntary organisations. The key priorities identified by DÍON are as follows: front-line advice services for emigrants and outreach services for unemployed youths, travellers, women and children in temporary accommodation, day care centres for the elderly and special projects to assist the unemployed.

I understand that DÍON take the view that provision for single homeless people should properly be identified as a local authority responsibility and that the development of special provision for Irish needs, in terms of hostel accommodation, should proceed only on the basis of clear commitment by the appropriate borough. The attention of local authorities in London is being directed to the shortfalls in their provision for homeless Irish people.

I am advised that the Kerry Association (London) did make an application for funding to DÍON in 1989 and this application was considered in accordance with the criteria set out above.